Asthma is a serious and sometimes life-threatening chronic disease that affects the health and quality of life of 25 million Americans, including seven million children.  Poor and minority children are more likely to have asthma and their health outcomes are worse.  Black children are twice as likely to be hospitalized and four times as likely to die from asthma as white children.

Allergens and irritants in child care and other indoor settings play a significant role in triggering asthma attacks.  The tools in this section provide information on how to reduce children's exposure to common asthma triggers including secondhand smoke, dust mites, molds, cockroaches, and other pests.